The United States has imposed sanctions on nine individuals it accuses of supporting Hezbollah and undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty, stepping up its campaign against the group’s financial and political networks.
The US Treasury Department said on Thursday that those targeted were involved in “obstructing the peace process in Lebanon and impeding the disarmament” of Hezbollah. The State Department added that the list includes Lebanese lawmakers, security officials, and an Iranian diplomat, all accused of abusing official positions to benefit the group.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the move was meant to send a clear warning.
“If you’re in politics, business or the security services and you’re helping Hezbollah undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty, there will be consequences,” he said.
Among those sanctioned are four Hezbollah members, including senior figures in its executive council and parliament. Also named were Iranian ambassador-designate to Lebanon Mohammad Reza Sheibani, as well as officials from the Hezbollah-aligned Amal Movement.
Two Lebanese security officials were also included, accused of sharing sensitive intelligence with the group over the past year.
Washington is also offering a reward of up to $10 million for information that could disrupt Hezbollah’s financial operations.
Hezbollah rejected the sanctions, calling them an attempt to intimidate its supporters and insisting they would not affect its political or military strategy.
“These measures have no practical impact on our choices,” the group said, describing the sanctions as a “badge of honour” for those targeted.
The announcement comes as Israel continues its military operations in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire framework that remains fragile. Air strikes and shelling have hit several areas in recent days, with casualties reported in border towns.
At the same time, the US is trying to push forward diplomatic efforts involving Israel and Lebanon. Negotiations are expected to resume in early June, while military-level discussions are scheduled to take place at the Pentagon later this month.
US officials say the sanctions are aimed at clearing obstacles to those talks and weakening what they describe as efforts to derail disarmament discussions involving Hezbollah.
